Su-no-Mono (Japanese Cucumber and Noodles)

Bring about 1/4 cup sake to a boil, immediately remove from heat,
and cool. Reserve 2 tablespoons of boiled sake.

Cook the bean threads according to package directions (usually,
boil for 3 minutes). Drain and place the noodles in a bowl of
cold water. Run more cold water over the noodles until they
are completely cool.

Combine 2 tablespoons of the sake with the vinegar, soy sauce,
and mirin. Cool.

Peel the cucumbers, cut in hal lengthwise, remove the seeds,
and slice as thinly as possible. Place in a bowl, sprinkle
with salt, and allow to sit for a few minutes. Squeeze the
salted cucumber slices. Rinse well, squeezing out all of the
excess water after rinsing.

In a (beautiful) bowl, place the noodles and then the cucumbers.
Sprinkle on the crabmeat or bell pepper. Pour the marinade
over all and serve.